Dodger pitcher Clayton Kershaw will hand out 2,500 backpacks filled with school supplies at Echo Park this Saturday, August 7.

Between 10 a.m. and 1 p.m., kids will be able to join the event that will not only feature goodies for back-to-school, but also a petting zoo, zip lines, water slides, a Ferris wheel, rock climbing and carnival games.

The co-sponsored event between “Kershaw’s Challenge” and the Los Angeles Dream Center will be held in-person after having to adjust for the pandemic in 2020 — distributing supplies to parents or guardians in a drive-thru fashion.

“After a year of a lot virtual, including this event, it feels really great to be back in person,” Kershaw said. “The Back to School Bash with our friends at the Dream Center is one of our favorite parts of every year. It was awesome to see the team pull off a drive-thru event last year, but it feels awesome to get to do it face to face this year. Kershaw’s Challenge is really proud to partner with the Dream Center again. It’s an honor to serve the families and kids of LA by their side.”

The event will be completely free and held at the L.A. Dream Center in Echo Park for the eighth year in a row.

“It is our sincerest hope that this year’s Back-to-School Bash will not only provide students with the necessary materials and supplies they need to succeed, but will also bring them the excitement and motivation they need to start the school year fresh,” Los Angeles Dream Center co-founder Matthew Barnett said. “After having to endure a tumultuous year of bad news and constant adjustment, we know that this school year may prove to be challenging yet again as students and families try to readjust back to in-person learning.”

Los Angeles Unified School District plans to reopen its schools in-person on August 16 with health measures in place and accommodations for those students who do not wish to attend in-person.

Event Address: 2301 Bellevue Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90026

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